The United States values its relationship with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. As you gather with family and friends on your national day, I join my countrymen in wishing you a joyous celebration.

Be assured that we are committed to helping you achieve a peaceful, stable, and prosperous future, including through my recent appointment of Russ Feingold, a determined former Senator from Wisconsin and a close colleague of mine in the Senate for 18 years.

Special Envoy Feingold brings years of experience in African affairs and great passion to his new responsibility of helping to bring stability to the region.